A proposed major mixed-use development on the Burnaby-Coquitlam border is a step closer to reality.

Coquitlam city council has unanimously approved a rezoning application tied to the proposed development, the Tri-Cities reported. Wesgroup Properties intends to redevelop the 7.8-acre site at Austin Avenue and North Road with the property’s owner, Choice Properties REIT, according to multiple previous reports.

Wesgroup is a major Vancouver-based developer. Toronto-headquartered Choice REIT is a subsidiary of Nova Scotia-based George Weston Limited, the owner of Loblaws, which ranks as Canada’s largest grocer.

Coquitlam city council’s decision could clear the way for a six-tower project featuring nearly 2,500 multi-family housing units. If all goes according to plan, Wesgroup will develop towers ranging from 36 to 45 storeys. If approved, the project would bring 2,470 new homes, including 548 market rental units and 92 below-market rentals.

A grocery store, a drugstore, and two childcare facilities accommodating 128 children are also part of the plan.

The proposed development is part of a trend whereby investors and developers are redeveloping older retail assets into mixed-use sites that include multi-family residential components.

The prime location is situated within walking distance of the City of Lougheed, which is commonly known by former Lougheed Mall name; a SkyTrain (LRT) station; and numerous retail and multi-family properties.

“To me, this is a gateway into the Coquitlam side of North Road,” Coun. Steve Kim told the Dispatch.

However, he acknowledged the loss of businesses on the site, including a Denny’s restaurant and a LifeLabs medical facility.

The fate of LifeLabs was a topic of discussion, with city staff requesting that Wesgroup include the company as a tenant in the new development, the Dispatch reported.

“Some second-floor office space would be really good for a LifeLabs,” Coun. Matt Djonlic told the Dispatch.

He and Coun. Dennis Marsden also emphasized the need for office space in the project, though Marsden specified that such spaces should not be on the first floor.

The project’s next step involves Wesgroup submitting a more detailed proposal for council approval. Development cost charges and density bonus payments are expected to total approximately $133 million, including a $7.3-million contribution to Coquitlam’s affordable-housing reserve fund, the Dispatch reported.

Mayor Richard Stewart took the opportunity to criticize new provincial housing legislation, stating that it played no role in the project’s progress.

“It required no provincial action, although the province will take credit for it,” he told the Dispatch.

He also noted that, due to revised provincial legislation, public hearings are no longer part of the approval process for developments aligning with the city’s official community plan.

Rendering: Wesgroup/Choice Properties REIT